Ashfield F & A C 1 Hurlford United 0 , Saracen Park, Glasgow - Kick-Off 1.30pm

This young Ashfield team really came of age today against a much experienced team who are in a higher League, and the `field must be absolutely proud of their efforts against the much fancied opponents. Stevie Rankin`s Team are providing such a high level of consistency and have now gone 11 games unbeaten.

Ashfield welcomed Hurlford to Saracen Park and were sporting their all Black Strip, with the `ford playing in all Red and it was the visitors who really took the game to Ashfield in the opening stages, bombarding the home team with well delivered set pieces and dangerous throw-ins. Alan `Spider` Smith was in commanding form at the back and Captain Mark Thomson was pushing Ashfield out at all times.

After survivng the first quarter, the `field started putting their passing game together with Ryan Cairley instrumental in Midfield. Chances were at a premium and both `keepers had to look alert without being troubled too much. Ashfield had a couple of half chances midway through the first half with shots from O`Donnell and Smith being blocked before the latter player driving a low shot past the `ford keeper and narrowly past the far post.

The game had been well contested with the Referee letting the game flow to the enjoyment of the crowd, however the game did boil over slightly resulting in Stevie Martin and a Hurlford midfielder going into the book after a `stramash`. Shortly after Hurlford had a claim for a penalty, however the Referee was having none of it and booked the Hurlford forward for simulation. As the game approached half time, the game exploded with 2 sending-off`s. Darren O`Donnell, Ashfield`s Centre Forward was fouled crudely in the middle of the park, however instead of walking away from the incident he lashed out at the guilty Hurlford No 5 and after an altercation, both players were shown straight `reds`.

It was going to take something special to win this game as both teams were well matched.

HALF TIME:- ASHFIELD 0 HURLFORD UTD 0

Both teams adjusted their formation slightly to accommodate being reduced to 10 Men with Ashfield pushing up Tony Chalmers into the forward line, however it was the visitors who adapted better pinning Ashfield back with a series of corners in the first 10 minutes.

Ashfield dealt well with the aerial threat of Hurlford however were dealt a blow after the outstanding Jamie Reilly had to go off injured and was replaced by Ian Murphy. Ashfield, similar to the first half, started to bring their passing play into the game and began to stretch Hurlford with the pace of Smith through the middle and Ali Martin on the left wing and it was this duo who produced the magic to unlock the Hurlford defence. In the 63rd Minute the ball was played across to Alistair Martin who had drifted onto the right wing, the ex-Clyde & Albion Rovers winger cut in and delivered a wicked cross to the back post where Craig Smith got ahead of his markers to bullet his header into the net to put the `field 1-0 up to the delight of the players, bench and support. This was Craig`s 17th goal of the season and was probably his most important. Ashfield 1 Hurlford Utd 0.

It was a real frantic Junior Cup Tie and Hurlford had to open out to try and equalise and by doing this gave Ashfield more room to exploit their pace and although under some pressure in the last quarter of the match it was Ashfield that should have increased their lead on a number of occasions. Stevie McGovern had an excellent game in the Ashfield goal and dealt well with anything that was thrown at him. He made an excellent save in the 75th minute palming a left foot drive round the post for a corner. Ashfield brought on Martin Gault and Davie Gumley to bolster up midfield with Craig Smith and Ali Martin holding the ball up well. Hurlford should have been reduced to 9 men when one of their players lashed out at goalscorer Smith with minutes remaining, however the Referee on this occasion only saw fit to give out a yellow. The `field held out the remaining minutes without too much bother and ensured that their name is in the hat for the Fourth Round Draw this Tuesday. Both games had produced some great entertainment and we wish Hurlford all the best for the rest of the season.
Ashfield are delivering game on game this season, lying 3rd in the Central League Division 1 and this after reaching the Semi Final of the Sectional League Cup & now in the Fourth Round of the Scottish Junior Cup. The players, Management, Backroom staff and support should be proud of their efforts this season............C`mon the `field !!!

FULL TIME:- ASHFIELD 1 HURLFORD UTD 0

Man of the Match:- Many candidates, however Craig Smith caused Hurlford Utd some major problems with his pace and attacking ability capped by his winning goal. Well done Smiddy !!

Attendance:- Approx. 100

Photographs by:- Inga